In a dramatic shift in the social media landscape, a surge of TikTok users in the United States are opting to delete their accounts after the platform changed hands to a group of investors aligned with former President Donald Trump. This transition has ignited significant concerns regarding potential censorship, particularly for content that critiques Trump and his administration.
TikTok’s Ownership Shake-Up
Recent reports reveal that the ownership of TikTok in the US has transferred from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to an investment consortium that includes Oracle, headed by Trump supporter Larry Ellison. Following this acquisition, the number of users uninstalling the app has skyrocketed by nearly 150%, according to data from market intelligence firm Sensor Tower.
Amidst this upheaval, users have expressed alarm over allegations of censorship, especially regarding videos that highlight controversial topics such as Trump’s immigration policies and ICE raids. Notably, several posts critical of the former president appear to have been significantly under-viewed, raising eyebrows and prompting a wave of discontent among users.
Political Repercussions and Investigations
The political fallout from this ownership change has been swift. California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced plans to investigate whether TikTok is engaging in censorship that may violate state laws. This inquiry is particularly pertinent given the timing of the ownership shift, which has coincided with a broader national conversation about social media accountability.
In response to these allegations, a TikTok spokesperson attributed the content visibility issues to technical difficulties stemming from a power outage at one of their US data centre partners. The company stated, “We’re continuing to resolve a major infrastructure issue triggered by a power outage at one of our US data centre partner sites. The US user experience may still have some technical issues, including when posting new content.”
Privacy Concerns Amplified
Adding to the unease, users have voiced worries about TikTok’s revised privacy policy, which they claim now requests sensitive information that could be misused by the Trump administration. The updated policy includes inquiries about users’ sexual orientation, citizenship status, and other personal details. Interestingly, an archived version of the policy suggests that this language was not new, having been present under ByteDance’s ownership as well.
Despite this, the fears surrounding the platform’s new governance have led to a noticeable uptick in the popularity of competing apps, such as Skylight and UpScrolled, which have seen an influx of new users seeking alternatives to TikTok.
The Growing Landscape of Social Media Alternatives
As concerns mount regarding TikTok’s future, users are actively exploring alternative platforms. Rival apps are capitalising on the discontent, offering features that appeal to those seeking a more secure and transparent social media experience. With TikTok’s user base in flux, the competitive landscape is evolving quickly, and it remains to be seen how the app will respond to this mounting pressure.
Why it Matters
The unfolding situation with TikTok underscores a critical moment for social media in America, where ownership changes can have profound implications for user trust and content freedom. As users navigate their concerns over censorship and privacy, the potential for increased scrutiny and regulation of social media platforms is greater than ever. This scenario not only reflects the power dynamics in technology but also highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the digital age.
